Page 7 of A Very Merry Mistake

Claire takes in a few deep breaths. I can only imagine what’s going through her mind as Heidi tells her she can’t find her reservation, especially after the day she’s had.

“This has to be a mistake,” Claire insists.

Heidi shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m not findin’ anything for those dates or your name. Are you sure it was Main Street Inn for Merryville? There are a few all over the country named that.”

“It was here. I thought I had a confirmation number.” Claire unlocks her phone and then huffs. “It died. Of course it did.” She smiles sweetly at Heidi. “Do you have any spare rooms? Price doesn’t matter. I’ll pay whatever you’d like.”

Heidi shakes her head. “I’m so sorry, but we don’t. We’re fully booked. Winter is our busiest season, and the rooms are reserved a year in advance with very few cancellations. I wish there was something more I could do.”

“This is insane,” Claire groans. “Do you know of any rentals in the area?”

“Gonna be hard to find something available. If you’d like me to contact the motel in the next town over, I’ll gladly do that.”

“Sure,” Claire says.

Heidi picks up the phone and dials the number. When she ends the call, she gives Claire a sad look. “I’m sorry. They’re booked, too.”

“Okay, thanks so much for checking. Do you have a waitlist?”

Heidi pulls a notebook from under the counter and flips through several sheets of names—the current waitlist.

“Claire Chester, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Heidi scribbles it at the bottom, and Claire gives her a contact number.

The writing is on the wall. There is nowhere for her to go.

Claire offers another thank-you, followed by a polite smile, before moving toward the exit.

“I’m sorry,” Heidi tells me. “I would let her stay if I could.”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. Shit happens. Hope you’ve been well.”

“I’ve been makin’ it,” she says.

“Good to hear.” I pat the counter, then leave.

Claire is standing on the empty sidewalk with her arms crossed over her chest. I see her wipe a tear from her cheek, but I don’t bring attention to it.

“What am I going to do now?” She turns and looks at me. “I have no vehicle. No room. Coming here was a mistake.”

I breathe in deeply, the cool air burning my lungs. “You can stay at my place until you can figure it out. I’ve got a couch.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Okay, Susan.” I meet her eyes. “What other options do you have?”

She doesn’t answer.

“You could sleep on the sidewalk as the storm rolls in. You could hang out in the café for the night, but after a few hours, get ready to start answerin’ questions or washin’ dishes. There are no hotels nearby. The inn is booked. And you have no transportation. Even with all that, you’re so proud you won’t accept my couch?”

“I’d be an inconvenience. What would you say to your girlfriend? ‘Hi, honey. I picked up a random woman walking into town with no place to stay.’ Sounds sus, don’t you think?”

Laughter escapes me. “There is no girlfriend. The only woman in my life is my cat, Tinsel. She will probably hate you, but she hates most everyone. Having to deal with an elderly cat who snubs and hisses at you is better than your other options.”

She focuses on me with her head tilted. “You seem like more of a dog person. Golden retriever owner.”

---